Thursday, 31 October 2013

Novotel Celebrates 100th Hotel in Asia Pacific with Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach Resort

Novotel - the world's leading midscale hotel brand - is celebrating its 100th hotel in Asia Pacific with the launch of Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach Resort. Having launched in Lille, France 46 years ago, Novotel has grown to 400 hotels in 60 countries globally. In Asia Pacific, Novotel made its debut in Singapore in 1982 and has since become so popular that the region accounts for a quarter of the brand's worldwide network.

Since its debut in 1967, Novotel has built a reputation for innovation, introducing many elements into its hotels which have since become industry standards. From its first incarnation in France - one of the first hotels to offer completely standardised rooms, all with en suite bathrooms - the Novotel brand has been at the forefront of hospitality.

"Novotel has really hit the mark with travellers in Asia Pacific by offering a consistently high quality of accommodation at an affordable rate in the most convenient locations," said Michael Issenberg, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Accor Asia Pacific. "We are proud that Novotel has firmly established itself as one of the most recognised and respected hotel brands in this region and Asia Pacific will continue to lead the way for the brand in the future."

In Asia Pacific alone, Novotel has almost 50 hotels in the pipeline for the next five years, so the region will be a key driver for the brand's continuing expansion.

Some of the highlights of Novotel's expansion in Asia Pacific include:
  • 1982 The first Novotel in Asia Pacific opens: Novotel Singapore Orchid
  • 1985 Novotel Guangzhou opens (the brand's first hotel in China)
  • 1989 Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square is the group's first new-build hotel in Asia and sets new standards in room design - it quickly becomes one of the city's trendiest hotels and paves the way for more upmarket Novotels in the region
  • 1991 Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour opens in Australia and helps turn the Darling Harbour precinct into a tourist mecca
  • 1993 Novotel Seoul Ambassador opens and sets new benchmarks in Korea with seven restaurants and its own golf driving range
  • 1994 Novotel enters New Zealand with the opening of Novotel Auckland
  • 1997 The Novotel brand turns 30 and reaches 320 hotels in 53 countries worldwide
  • 2000 Novotel Sydney Olympic Park opens in time for the 2000 Olympic Games - the first hotel built in the heart of an Olympic precinct, it sets new benchmarks in hotel sustainability thanks to its enviro-friendly design
  • 2001 Novotel Hong Kong Century opens
  • 2002 Two new hotels open in Beijing - Novotel Peace and Novotel Xinqiao
  • 2006 Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport opens
  • 2008 Novotel introduces 100% eco-labelled bathroom products
  • 2009 Novotel Juhu Beach opens in Mumbai and Novotel Bali Benoa becomes the first hotel in Asia Pacific to achieve Green Globe Certification for its environmental commitments
  • 2012 Novotel Auckland Airport wins New Zealand Hotel Industry Conference Environmental Initiative Award

Along the way, Novotel has moved from being a predominantly business and meetings hotel to one designed equally for business and leisure travel, with an increasing number of resort hotels. The brand is also very focused on families with the Novotel&Family offer, which provides free accommodation and breakfast for up to two children 16 years and under when staying with their parents or grandparents. Novotel makes families feel even more welcome with a special gift for children, 50% off the second room for families who need more space, dedicated play areas and late check-out on Sundays.

Novotel was also one of the first international hotel groups to put environmental issues at the forefront of its operations and has won many awards over the years for its commitment to sustainability.

The landmark Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach is a newly-built beachfront resort located on the island's idyllic western coast. This upper-midscale resort boasts 166 guest rooms, suites and villas all with views over the lush gardens or Andaman Sea. With free Wi-Fi throughout, the resort's leisure facilities include three restaurants, a rooftop bar, lobby bar and pool bar, a kids club, In|Balance fitness centre, day spa and outdoor pool. Located on its own stretch of white sand, the resort is just 10 minutes from the nightlife and shopping of Patong Beach.

"We are very excited that Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach Resort has opened as our 100th Novotel in Asia Pacific," said Mr. Issenberg. "Novotel was Accor's first brand and our first brand to enter Asia Pacific and it remains one of our mainstays. It is especially fitting that our 100th Novotel should be a resort as the brand is increasingly focused on expanding its resort network in the most beautiful locations in the world.

"This milestone comes at a time of great excitement as Novotel will next year launch a new phase in its development which will ensure it continues to remain one of the strongest brands in the mid-scale sector both in Asia Pacific and globally.

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